Patrick Ewing wants to become head coach of the New York Knicks

Patrick Ewing is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. He is currently an associate coach for the Charlotte Hornets, but he’s very interested in the head coaching vacancy on his former team, the New York Knicks.

“You know, this is a great fit for me. I have my number up there (in the Garden rafters). I still live in the area. If I get an opportunity for an interview I’d be happy,” Ewing said via New York Daily News.

The 53-year-old former player has been an assistant coach in the NBA for 13 seasons and has been looking for a head coaching position for quite some time now. Ewing previously was an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic.

“I’ve been doing this, what, 13 years now. I see people who don’t have the same amount on their résumé as I do and still have gotten opportunities. It is what it is. All I can do is continue to work, continue to get better at my craft, and hopefully, one day somebody will give me an opportunity and I’ll show that I’m ready,” Ewing said, per ESPN.

Patrick Ewing has only been interviewed for a head coaching job twice and has also turned down the head coaching job for the WestchesterKnicks, the D-League affiliate of New York, back in 2012. He was also named interim head coach of the Hornets in 2013 after Steve Clifford underwent heart surgery.

However, ESPN sources are saying that the Knicks are looking to name Kurt Rambis as the team’s official head coach. Phil Jackson is a big fan of Rambis and is trying to sign him to new multi-year contract.

Patrick Ewing played for 15 seasons in New York and is considered one of the best players in franchise history. His best accomplishment as an assistant coach was helping the Orlando Magic reaches the NBA Finals in 2009.